Lawyer was dad of two
A LAWYER has been found dead at the foot of cliffs in the Vale of Glamorgan.
Father-of-two Geraint Thomas, 47, was a partner at law firm Eversheds Sutherland.
A LAWYER has been found dead at the foot of cliffs in the Vale of Glamorgan.
Father-of-two Geraint Thomas, 47, was a partner at law firm Eversheds Sutherland and specialised in offering Brexit advice to businesses as well as mortgage regulations and consumer credit.
The Oxford University graduate was based at the firm’s office in Cardiff and was found dead on December 18.
A police spokesman said: “South Wales Police is investigating the sudden death of a 47-year-old man from Cardiff who was discovered at Southerndown.
“The death is not being treated as suspicious. Next of kin have been informed and a file of evidence is being prepared for HM Coroner.”
An inquest into Mr Thomas’ death was opened and adjourned at Pontypridd Coroner’s Court on Christmas Eve.
Fellow workers at global law firm Eversheds Sutherland were sent an email telling them of Mr Thomas’ death and offering them “support and advice” if needed. A specialist counsellor has been appointed for staff at the firm.
A colleague said: “It is a terrible tragedy and a shocking waste of life. The staff involved are terribly shocked and traumatised.”
Mr Thomas is understood to have had two daughters, the youngest aged five.
He worked three days from the legal firm’s HQ in London and two days in Wales.
A profile on the company website says Mr Thomas had been a partner since 2003 specialising in consumer credit and mortgage regulations.
The fluent Frenchspeaker was also part of Eversheds Brexit advisory team “working with a number of clients to help them with Brexit planning” and “helping them take steps to put themselves in the best possible position”.
Lee Ransom, CEO of Eversheds Sutherland, said: “On behalf of the firm I can confirm with great sadness that Geraint Thomas, a partner in our commercial team, was found dead on December 18, 2018. Details surrounding his death are unclear and we are currently liaising with his family and the police.
“Geraint was a highly respected and esteemed lawyer who, having joined the firm in 1994, spent his entire career with the firm.
“A truly exceptional lawyer, he will be remembered for his dedication to his clients and to the firm in equal measure. He will be greatly missed.
“Our sincere sympathies and thoughts are with Geraint’s wife, family and friends at this exceptionally difficult time. Many of Geraint’s colleagues have also been deeply affected by this tragic news.
“We are working with everyone to ensure they have appropriate, professional support in the coming weeks and months.
“As this is an ongoing investigation I am unable to provide further comment at this time.”
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